My father, 72 years old, on medication for post Covid ILD, Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, BPH.
Admitted few times in hospital for acute gastroenteritis. Recently EPI was diagnosed.
Chewing tobacco addiction of 40 years. Due to hospitalization he did not get chewing tobacco for 1 month.
Now, he is improving at home. Now asking for chewing tobacco. Getting angry if I am not giving. He is justifying, tobacco is not the cause of this bad health condition.
Craving as health is improving.
No tobacco for 1 month. I thought, it's fine now. But it's not.
Any alternative such as Nicotex gum can be given?
Please suggest what should be done?
Thank you.
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I understand your concern — this is a tough situation for you.
To answer your question let’s break it down clearly:
Chewing tobacco is linked to health risks: cancers (oral, pancreatic, esophageal), gastrointestinal issues, and cardiovascular disease.
At this age with existing conditions resuming tobacco would add risk.
After 40 years of use, it’s normal for him to feel irritable and justify tobacco use. One month without it means his body has already started adjusting, but psychological dependence can persist.
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) (like Nicotex gum) is designed to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings by providing controlled doses of nicotine without the harmful chemicals in tobacco.
In GENERAL, NRT is considered safer than chewing tobacco.
What you should do:
Do not restart chewing tobacco. That would undo the progress he’s made.
Discuss NRT with his doctor.
Behavioral support is equally important — counseling, distraction techniques, and involving family can help manage irritability and cravings.
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Any medication treatment undertaken should be under supervision of an expert only.
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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